Donald Trump: US recognises Jerusalem as Israel capital

US embassies in the Middle East and Europe are warning Americans travelling or living there of the potential for violent protests after Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. …

Soon after Mr Trump’s announcement, hundreds of angry Palestinians took to the streets, chanting anti-Trump slogans and burning car tyres. Protests were seen in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, all over Gaza City and in the southern Gaza Strip towns of Khan Younis and Rafah.

Smaller protests also took place in the West Bank communities of Ramallah and Bethlehem. Mosque loudspeakers called on Gaza residents to take to the streets to express rage and protest against TMr rump’s declaration.

“Jerusalem is the capital of the state of Palestine,” he said Hassan Sami Dbabesh, a 20-year-old construction worker from Gaza city. “Who is Trump to intervene into Muslims’ affairs and declare that Jerusalem is the capital of the state of Israel, which is not recognised by the Arabs and the Muslims?” …

By recognising Israel’s claim to Jerusalem, Mr Trump is seen by the Palestinians as siding with Israel on the most sensitive issue in the conflict and Palestinians warned of “a days of rage” over the announcement.

Hamas condemned the move, declaring that Mr Trump had opened “the gates of hell,” and

Turkey described the move as “irresponsible” and illegal.

Announcing his decision, Mr Trump described the move as an obvious and overdue recognition of reality.